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It’s no secret in the dairy community that June is Dairy Month. It’s hard to believe that we are only a few weeks away from celebrating that special month. As a full-time dairy farmer, advocate and all-things-dairy lover myself, this month almost feels like Christmas!

Not only is June a great time to indulge in numerous dairy treats, but it is also the perfect time for us to celebrate what we as dairy producers do throughout the year, as well as teach consumers about the dairy industry.

Each June, I try to update the family dairy farm Facebook page with a fun dairy fact each day for the entire month. These facts might range from cows each having unique spots, much like the human fingerprint, to how much water a cow drinks in a day. Whether it’s bringing a small bit of happiness into another farmer’s day or teaching a community member something about the dairy industry, I feel that it is a great way to spread and share about dairy and milk production.

There are several people that I have conversed with that genuinely do not know where their milk comes from or how it’s produced or even realize there’s a farmer and farm family that stands behind that product that is in their fridge. Bridging that gap is a small way that we farmers can help consumers better understand where their food is coming from.

Another way that I like to advocate for dairy during June is to work with the county Farm Bureau and local ice cream shops and set up “Storytime with a Farmer” events throughout the month. Typically, these are at a local ice cream place where they kindly donate a free ice cream treat to each participating kid.

As a Farm Bureau member and dairy farmer, I read a dairy-related story to the kids; they then can ask any farm-related questions that they and their parents might have. We then do a dairy-related craft, such as building an ice cream cone plate or a cow-face plate that they then get to name as their own cow. They then finish up with picking out a cow-related small gift, such as a cow eraser or bracelet, and get their ice cream treat.

Not only is this a phenomenal way to teach the community about how milk is produced and how it makes its way into the food supply, but it also gives kids and adults alike the chance to meet a farmer in person and ask any questions they might have. And as a dairy producer, it gives me the chance to spread my enthusiasm for dairy cows and dairy products.

This June Dairy Month, we will have the unique opportunity to host a barn blessing and milk barn and parlor tour as requested by the local rural outreach ministry at the local Catholic church. This event will be open to anyone in this local diocese, and they will have the chance to attend the barn blessing and then see the milking facilities and milking herd. We will cap off the afternoon with a create-your-own ice cream sundae bar.

I am very excited for this opportunity and believe that it will be another great way to show consumers exactly where their dairy products come from and the cows and farmers behind the foods.

As dairy farmers, we work incredibly hard throughout the year to make sure that we are taking the best care of our animals, and we advocate for ourselves, our land and our animals regularly. But, to have a month where we can showcase what we do daily and promote our amazing products and show others about our industry is very rewarding and exciting. I encourage each of you reading this, whether a dairy farmer or not, to make sure to learn one thing about the dairy industry this June and enjoy one extra dairy treat!

Submitted by Julie Holler McCormick, a member of the Trumbull County Farm Bureau board of trustees.

OFBF Mission: Working together for Ohio farmers to advance agriculture and strengthen our communities.

Image by Antonio Henrique from Pixabay